Deep red. Rich, smoky and wild on the nose, with scents of candied plum, cherry liqueur, charred meat, espresso, tobacco and cigar box. Powerful, densely packed dark fruit flavors are accented by exotic spice and earthy nuances, and supported by a firm, tannic frame. Although the tannins are nicely absorbed by the rich fruit with some aeration, I'd opt for cellaring this brooding wine for at least another few years, then serve it with grilled or braised lamb or game.

Community Tasting Notes (average 91 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 1 note)

Rating for Spain-Vinos de la Tierra (VdlT)-Ribera del Duero: 88 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: quite possibly over the hill<br/>

92 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep red. Rich, smoky and wild on the nose, with scents of candied plum, cherry liqueur, charred meat, espresso, tobacco and cigar box. Powerful, densely packed dark fruit flavors are accented by exotic spice and earthy nuances, and supported by a firm, tannic frame. Although the tannins are nicely absorbed by the rich fruit with some aeration, I'd opt for cellaring this brooding wine for at least another few years, then serve it with grilled or braised lamb or game." (Sep/Oct '06) 91 points from Wine Enthusiast: "(A)s it ages it seems to be showing the ripeness and richness from before, as well as intriguing notes of tobacco, chocolate and baked plum. More than the flavors, the wine impressed this time around courtesy of smooth tannins, flushness and mouthfeel. In a word, it has found a groove." (6/1/2007)90 points from Robert Parker: "The Alenza Gran Reserva is produced only in what the estate considers to be a great vintage. The 1999, which spent 30 months in new oak, still has a saturated purple color, while beginning to develop secondary nuances in its lovely aromatics. There are plenty of cedar, tobacco, leather, and spice box as well as floral and black fruit scents which are followed by a tight, structured "old school" wine with lots of material yet to fully reveal itself. Although it can be enjoyed now, I’d opt for allowing several more years of evolution in bottle. It should drink well through 2020." (2/07)